Tips To Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

Bad breath, or halitosis, has many causes. However, there are a few tips to eliminate them. Here are a few of them. 

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

Good oral hygiene is essential to good dental health and the prevention of bad breath. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t irritate your gums. Brush for at least two minutes each time. Spend at least one minute on each quadrant of the mouth.

Floss at Least Once a Day

The American Dental Association also recommends flossing once each day to help remove food particles from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. If your breath is particularly strong, you may also use a mouthwash. Mouthwash may help eliminate odors that can linger after a meal, but it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing a formula that contains alcohol as an ingredient. 

Brush Your Tongue

Not many people brush their tongues, but you should! The tongue is a prime breeding ground for bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. If you can’t get your tongue clean by brushing it with your toothbrush and toothpaste, try using a tongue scraper to scrape the buildup off. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly when you’re finished to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.

Clean Dentures or Dental Appliances

If you have dentures or a dental appliance, be sure to clean them thoroughly after each meal using a denture brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. The appliance should also be soaked in a special solution every night to prevent bacteria buildup.

Avoid Dry Mouth

The mouth is host to millions of bacteria that feed off of the food particles left behind after eating a meal. When these bacteria digest these foods, they release foul-smelling gases and waste into the mouth. These chemicals are what cause bad breath and why maintaining good oral hygiene is so important. However, if the saliva in the mouth is limited, the bacteria will continue to thrive, and the bad breath will become even worse. The best way to avoid this is to hydrate your body by drinking lots of water throughout the day. This will keep your mouth moist and help keep your breath fresh. It will also help keep the rest of your body hydrated and healthy. 

Adjust Your Diet

Some foods will exacerbate bad breath, including onions, garlic, and anything with a high level of sugar, such as candy and soda. You should also avoid tobacco products. Not only will smoking affect your breath, but it can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Reduce your intake of these foods to help improve your oral health and freshen your breath.

If you aren’t sure how to adjust your diet to address these issues, your dentist can help you come up with an effective solution. He or she can also give you tips for getting the most out of your oral hygiene routine so that you can keep your mouth as clean as possible to prevent bad breath from forming.

For the best dental care, visit Dental Health PC at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330, or call (541) 757 1829 to book an appointment.